The night sky has always been a canvas of wonder for me, a place where curiosity meets infinite possibilities. My fascination with the universe began as a child, staring up at the stars and dreaming of the day I could be part of the effort to explore them. Over time, this dream evolved into a passion for aeronautics and aerospace engineering—fields that merge my love for science, problem-solving, and innovation. I want to be at the forefront of these industries, pushing boundaries and contributing to advances that will define the future of humanity. My journey toward this goal has been one of persistence and resilience, shaped by a deep desire to learn and overcome challenges. As a high school student, I immersed myself in STEM subjects, particularly math and physics, which laid the groundwork for understanding the principles of flight and space exploration. Attending the EPIC (Engineering Possibilities In College) camp at Cal Poly SLO the summer after my junior year was a turning point. There, I engaged in hands-on engineering projects and collaborated with like-minded peers, solidifying my resolve to pursue aerospace engineering. This experience showed me the power of teamwork, creativity, and determination in solving complex problems—skills I aim to bring to the field. Despite my passion and dedication, the path has not been without obstacles. One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing rigorous academic pursuits (I am an IB Diploma Candidate) with playing on three different sports teams (volleyball, beach volleyball, and club volleyball) and managing stress and anxiety. Music became my outlet, a way to channel my emotions and maintain focus. Being part of my school choir and playing the guitar—inspired by my early piano lessons and admiration for artists like Taylor Swift—taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of self-care. These lessons have been invaluable in navigating the demanding nature of STEM education. Financial challenges have also shaped my journey. Coming from a middle-class family, where my mom is a teacher and my dad earns a fair amount, we often find ourselves in a financial gray area—earning too much to qualify for significant financial aid but not enough to comfortably afford the high cost of college tuition. My dream schools, Stanford and Princeton, are financially out of reach for my family, but I remain undeterred. I have focused on applying for scholarships, seeking opportunities to reduce the financial burden, and exploring programs that align with both my academic goals and budget. These efforts reflect my commitment to achieving my aspirations despite economic hurdles. Being at the forefront of aeronautics and aerospace innovation means more than just designing spacecraft or developing cutting-edge technologies; it is about contributing to something greater than myself. I envision a career where I can help humanity explore new frontiers, improve transportation systems, and create sustainable solutions for global challenges. Whether it is developing more efficient propulsion systems, advancing satellite technology, or enabling human exploration of Mars, I want to be part of the effort to turn dreams into reality. The challenges I have faced and the steps I have taken to overcome them have only strengthened my resolve. I am committed to pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, armed with the skills, passion, and resilience needed to thrive in this dynamic field. With the support of this scholarship, I can take one step closer to realizing my dream of making a meaningful impact on the world through aeronautics and aerospace innovation.

The night sky has always been a wonder for me, a place where curiosity meets infinite possibilities. My fascination with the universe began as a child, staring up at the stars and dreaming of the day I could be part of the effort to explore them. Over time, this dream evolved into a passion for aeronautics and aerospace engineering—fields that merge my love for science, problem-solving, and innovation. I want to be at the forefront of these industries, pushing boundaries and contributing to advances that will define the future of humanity. My journey toward this goal has been one of persistence and resilience, shaped by a deep desire to learn and overcome challenges. As a high school student, I immersed myself in STEM subjects, particularly math and physics, which laid the groundwork for understanding the principles of flight and space exploration. Attending the EPIC (Engineering Possibilities In College) camp at Cal Poly SLO the summer after my junior year was a turning point. There, I engaged in hands-on engineering projects and collaborated with like-minded peers, solidifying my resolve to pursue aerospace engineering. This experience showed me the power of teamwork, creativity, and determination in solving complex problems—skills I aim to bring to the field. Despite my passion and dedication, the path has not been without obstacles. One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing rigorous academic pursuits (I am an IB Diploma Candidate) with playing on three different sports teams (volleyball, beach volleyball, and club volleyball) and managing stress and anxiety. Music became my outlet, a way to channel my emotions and maintain focus. Being part of my school choir and playing the guitar—inspired by my early piano lessons and admiration for artists like Taylor Swift—taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of self-care. These lessons have been invaluable in navigating the demanding nature of STEM education. Financial challenges have also shaped my journey. Coming from a middle-class family, where my mom is a teacher and my dad earns a fair amount, we often find ourselves in a financial gray area—earning too much to qualify for significant financial aid but not enough to comfortably afford the high cost of college tuition. My dream schools, Stanford and Princeton, are financially out of reach for my family, but I remain undeterred. I have focused on applying for scholarships, seeking opportunities to reduce the financial burden, and exploring programs that align with both my academic goals and budget. These efforts reflect my commitment to achieving my aspirations despite economic hurdles. Being at the forefront of aeronautics and aerospace innovation means more than just designing spacecraft or developing cutting-edge technologies; it is about contributing to something greater than myself. I envision a career where I can help humanity explore new frontiers, improve transportation systems, and create sustainable solutions for global challenges. Whether it is developing more efficient propulsion systems, advancing satellite technology, or enabling human exploration of Mars, I want to be part of the effort to turn dreams into reality. The challenges I have faced and the steps I have taken to overcome them have only strengthened my resolve. I am committed to pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, armed with the skills, passion, and resilience needed to thrive in this dynamic field. With the support of this scholarship, I can take one step closer to realizing my dream of making a meaningful impact on the world through aeronautics and aerospace innovation.